S Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Saturday the agency and state law enforcement in Florida have arrested nearly 800 people over four days in a “massive, multi-agency immigration enforcement crackdown.”
ICE’s office in Miami calls the “highly successful” operation “a first-of-its-kind partnership between state and federal partners.”
CNN has reached out to ICE for more details about who was arrested, their legal status and the scope of the operation.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hailed the operation as “an example of FL and (the Department of Homeland Security) partnering to deliver big results on immigration enforcement and deportations,” according to a statement on X.
“Florida is leading the nation in active cooperation with the Trump administration for immigration enforcement and deportation operations!” DeSantis wrote in a separate post Saturday.
The massive number of reported arrests comes amid President Donald Trump’s ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration and as the Department of Justice moves to prosecute state and local officials accused of impeding that effort.
DeSantis and other Republican leaders in Florida have pushed local officials in the state to sign agreements with ICE under the 287(g) Program, which allows local authorities to be trained by and partner with ICE to enforce aspects of US immigration law. Florida leaders have warned that state law allows for the removal of officials who refuse to cooperate with the federal government’s immigration efforts.
Statewide agencies, including the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida State Guard, the Florida Department of Agricultural Law Enforcement and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, all signed collaboration agreements with ICE, according to an announcement by DeSantis in February.
In all, more than 200 state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies across Florida have entered into collaboration agreements with ICE, and more than 70 others have agreements pending, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security.
Earlier this month, multiple universities in Florida announced their campus police also signed the ICE agreements, further stoking fears among international students amid the Trump administration’s revocation of hundreds of student visas at colleges across the US.
Pressure to cooperate
Local leaders in several parts of Florida approved cooperation agreements with ICE while expressing opposition to it.
The city council in the Miami suburb of Doral – which has the largest Venezuelan immigrant population in the country – voted unanimously to approve an ICE collaboration agreement earlier this month, but council members made clear they were required to do so under state law.
“We’re being mandated by the state to take certain actions and if we don’t, we’re being threatened with criminal penalties,” City Attorney Lorenzo Cobiella said, adding, “Passing this is painful for all of us. We’re all immigrants … we all have families that derive from different places where, right now, there’s great suffering.”
Last month, Fort Myers City Council members voted against the ICE collaboration, only to backtrack and approve it after Florida’s attorney general sent them a letter warning that the governor could remove them from office. Attorney General James Uthmeier called the initial refusal a “serious and direct violation” of Florida law that bans “sanctuary cities.”
Local officials under fire
The US Justice Department has repeatedly asserted that it will investigate any local officials who do not assist federal authorities on immigration matters.
Last week, Hannah Dugan, a Milwaukee County Circuit judge, was arrested by the FBI and charged in federal court for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant avoid arrest. She made an initial appearance in court and was later released.
In court Friday, Dugan’s attorney said, “Judge Dugan wholeheartedly regrets and protests her arrest. It was not made in the interest of public safety,” according to the AP.
Also last week, former New Mexico magistrate judge Joel Cano and his wife, Nancy Cano, were accused of tampering with evidence linked to the arrest of an undocumented migrant suspected of being a member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, according to two criminal complaints.
The migrant, Cristhian Ortega-Lopez, is a Venezuelan who was charged earlier this year for unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition, court documents show.
About the author
Conseil des ministres au Burkina Faso : session présidée par Ibrahim Traoré à Ouagadougou
Le Conseil des ministres du Burkina Faso s’est réuni à Ouagadougou le jeudi 12 mars 2026 pour une séance ordinaire présidée par Ibrahim Traoré, Président du Faso et Président du Conseil des ministres. La réunion s’est tenue de 09 h 00 à 11 h 01 et a permis d’examiner plusieurs dossiers inscrits à l’ordre du jour. Principaux points abordés Au cours de cette séance, le Conseil des ministres a : délibéré sur plusieurs dossiers relatifs à la gestion des affaires de l’État ; entendu une communication orale portant sur des questions d’intérêt national ; procédé à des nominations dans l’administration publique ; autorisé certaines missions officielles à l’étranger. Cette session s’inscrit dans le cadre des réunions ordinaires du gouvernement visant à assurer la conduite des politiques publiques, la coordination de l’action gouvernementale et le suivi des décisions de l’exécutif. Le […]
Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong Thanks Mahama for Appointment as Fire Service Chief
Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, the Chief Fire Officer and Director-General of the Ghana National Fire Service, has expressed deep appreciation to John Dramani Mahama for appointing her to lead the service. Speaking in an interview on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM, Madam Ntow Sarpong also extended her gratitude to Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and the governing National Democratic Congress for the confidence placed in her leadership. “I want to use this opportunity to thank President Mahama, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana, and the entire NDC government for the confidence reposed in me and for honouring me with this leadership role,” she said. Commitment to Serve The Fire Chief pledged to meet the expectations attached to the position, assuring both government and the public of her dedication to the role. “I pledge to fulfil my mandate and discharge my duties […]
No Ghanaian Casualties in Middle East Tensions – Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed that no Ghanaian has been killed or injured following the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, as government steps up efforts to protect its citizens in the region. In a Facebook update on Tuesday, March 3, the Minister revealed that he convened a virtual meeting with Ghana’s Ambassadors and Consuls General across the Middle East to assess the situation and coordinate further consular interventions. “This evening, I convened a virtual meeting with our Ambassadors and Consuls General in the Middle East to assess the latest developments and explore further consular interventions towards the protection of Ghanaians,” he stated. Diplomatic Coordination Across the Region Heads of Mission from Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Turkey participated in the discussions. “I am glad to report that so far no Ghanaian […]
IET-GH Marks World Engineering Day, Highlights Engineers’ Role in Ghana’s Development
The Institution of Engineering and Technology Ghana has joined the global engineering community in marking World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, observed annually on March 4 and endorsed by UNESCO. In a statement issued to commemorate the day, the Institution highlighted the central role engineers play in Ghana’s development. It noted that engineering remains vital to infrastructure delivery, environmental protection, industrial growth, and technological progress. Engineering at the Heart of National Development According to IET-GH, Ghanaian engineers are providing practical solutions to major national challenges, including climate change, sanitation, energy transition, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable urban development. The Institution reaffirmed its commitment to ethical standards, innovation, and professional excellence, stressing that the country’s long-term growth will depend heavily on the expertise, creativity, and integrity of its engineers. It also encouraged young people to consider careers in engineering, describing the profession […]
Ga Traditional Council Summons KOKA Over Comments About COCOBOD CEO
The Ga Traditional Council has summoned entertainment critic Kwaku Osei Korankye Asiedu, popularly known as KOKA, over comments he allegedly made on social media concerning the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Dr. Randey Abbey. In a formal letter, the Council directed KOKA to appear before Ga chiefs and priests at the Ga Mantse Palace on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The traditional authorities stressed the importance of his presence, urging him to treat the invitation with urgency and seriousness. “Your presence is respectfully requested to address the matter and offer any necessary explanations. Kindly treat this invitation with the seriousness it deserves,” the letter stated. The correspondence was signed by the Secretary of the Court of Priests of Ga, acting on behalf of the Chief Priest of the Ga Traditional Area.
Ghana to Declare 21 Marine Protected Areas Starting at Greater Cape Three Points
Ghana is preparing to declare 21 coastal communities as Marine Protected Areas in a major step toward restoring marine biodiversity and strengthening fisheries management. The first declaration is expected to take place at Greater Cape Three Points in the Western Region. Once designated, fishing activities within the protected zones will be restricted to allow depleted fish stocks to recover. Part of the Global 30×30 Target The move forms part of Ghana’s commitment to the global 30×30 target, which calls for the protection of at least 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean areas by 2030. The goal falls under Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework and has been adopted by more than 190 countries. Despite the widespread commitment, progress remains slow. Since 2022, global reviews show that only about 2.9 percent of the ocean is fully or highly […]
Related
Trump says Iran’s new Supreme Leader is alive but “damaged”
United States President Donald Trump says he believes Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is still alive but “damaged” after the US and Israel’s opening strikes on Iran. Mojtaba, whose father and former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the war, has not been seen in public since he was selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts on March 8. His first comments to the nation were delivered as a written message read out by a television presenter, fuelling speculation about his condition. An Iranian official told Reuters that the new leader was “lightly injured” and continues to function, with state TV referring to him as “war wounded.” Asked about rumours that Mojtaba might be dead or incapacitated, Trump told Fox News’ “Brian Kilmeade Show”: “I think he probably is (alive). I think he is […]
Iran conflict: US embassy warns of possible Abuja protests
The United States embassy in Abuja has warned its citizens about the possibility of protests in Nigeria’s capital linked to the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. In a security alert, the embassy said there is a high potential for demonstrations in Abuja on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, noting that previous protests by some groups have led to violent clashes with Nigerian security forces. The embassy advised US citizens in Abuja to remain in their homes on that day, avoid protest areas and large gatherings, and maintain a low profile while monitoring local media for updates. It also urged them to review their personal security plans, keep their phones charged, carry valid identification, and stay alert in public spaces such as markets, malls, and places of worship. The embassy further encouraged citizens to familiarise themselves with emergency exits in […]
Oil Prices Jump Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis
Global oil prices climbed sharply after Iran intensified strikes across the Middle East, raising fears of disruption to energy supplies. Brent crude, the international benchmark, jumped 10% on Monday to briefly exceed $82 per barrel following reports that at least three vessels were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend. Natural gas prices also surged by up to 25% amid concerns about supply constraints. Iran warned commercial vessels against passing through the strategic waterway, through which roughly 20% of global oil and gas shipments transit. Shipping activity at the entrance to the strait has slowed dramatically, with analysts cautioning that a prolonged disruption could drive energy prices significantly higher. In the UK, the FTSE 100 opened nearly 1% lower, with airline shares hit by widespread airspace closures across the Middle East. European markets experienced sharper losses: France’s CAC […]
US lawmaker: Christians suffer most from Nigeria’s violence, urges Trump to act
United States lawmaker Riley Moore says Christians have borne the overwhelming brunt of violent attacks in Nigeria for over 20 years and urged President Donald Trump to take decisive action. Moore said insecurity affects people of all faiths but insisted that Christians are disproportionately targeted. He claimed Christians are about five times more likely to be killed than any other religious group and accused Fulani militias and terrorist organisations of repeatedly attacking Christian communities, pastors and priests, and burning schools and churches, often on holy days. He praised Trump’s readiness to defend Christians globally and described the current moment as a once in a generation opportunity to deepen US–Nigeria relations while confronting the crisis. He acknowledged that Nigeria needs support to tackle insecurity but said President Bola Tinubu’s government must show stronger political will. Moore argued that any future bilateral […]
Modi visits Israel as US Iran tensions rise
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Israel on Wednesday for a two day visit that both governments say will deepen ties, as fears grow over a possible military clash between the United States and Iran. Modi, a Hindu nationalist, was the first Indian prime minister ever to visit Israel in 2017, when he and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu famously walked barefoot together on a Haifa beach. The two men remain in power nearly nine years later and describe each other as friends. During this visit they are expected to hold talks on artificial intelligence and defence cooperation at a time when Israel is seeking to expand its military exports. An Israeli government official said the trip would pave the way for new partnerships in many sectors, while a foreign ministry official said bilateral relations were close to a significant […]
Islamic leaders reject US call on Sharia, blasphemy laws
Islamic leaders in Nigeria have rejected a recommendation by a United States congressional panel asking the Federal Government to scrap Sharia and blasphemy laws, saying the demand touches on national sovereignty, the constitution and fragile interfaith relations in the country. Those who spoke include an official of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs who asked not to be named, Sheikh Sidi Munir of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Nurudeen Khalid, former Chief Imam of the National Assembly Legislative Quarters Juma’at Mosque in Abuja, and Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of Muslim Rights Concern. The US panel’s report followed hearings, expert consultations and fact-finding visits to Nigeria and suggested possible sanctions, visa bans and a new security partnership to protect vulnerable communities, while also urging Nigeria to show clear action against religious persecution and insecurity. Responding, the NSCIA official […]